Popular Coventry Sunday football stalwart Mick Malone has died suddenly.

Mick, who was 69, collapsed at the home of his son, David, on Christmas Day - he also leaves two other sons, Brian and Sean, and his wife, June.

Chairman of the Coventry and District Sunday League, Mick was one of the founder members of the competition in 1963, instigating the competition's first meeting at the Evening Telegraph Social Club.

Mick was the then secretary of the Telegraph team which played Sunday friendlies - and he maintained his connection with the club for nearly 40 years, being secretary at the time of his death. Mick worked in the press room of the Telegraph for nearly 30 years until leaving in the 80s.

Ian Cross, general manager of the Telegraph football club, said: "Mick had been the backbone of both our club and the Coventry Sunday League since both were founded.

"His death is a body blow to both our club and the league - he will be impossible to replace. I had known him for nearly 30 years and he treated me as his fourth son, everyone at our club and, indeed, everyone involved in local football, is devastated." Sunday League official Alan Dadley said: "The fact that Mick gave unbroken service of nearly 40 years to our league underlines the sort of guy that he was, he was a great servant and ambassador for the league.

"He was truly nice guy and gentleman and, to many, he was Mr Sunday Football.

"He was a founder member of our committee and served nearly 30 years as vice-chairman before becoming chairman some four years ago.

"We are planning a celebration of our 40th anniversary in the spring but, frankly, it will not be the same now that Mick has gone."